Scope
Description
Social Care Wales is inviting tenders from experienced internal audit providers to deliver high-quality, independent assurance and advisory services.
As part of our governance arrangements and Board Assurance Framework, internal audit plays a vital role in evaluating the effectiveness of our financial and operational controls, risk management, and compliance. We operate within a robust governance model aligned with the three lines of defence, and our internal audit function is essential to supporting the Accounting Officer in fulfilling their responsibilities, including the preparation of the annual Governance Statement.
The successful supplier will be expected to demonstrate full compliance with the latest professional standards, including the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), and the IIA's Code of Ethics. We require a service that is not only technically proficient but also collaborative, with strong communication and reporting practices. The internal audit programme will cover a wide range of organisational activities, from governance and financial controls to workforce regulation and environmental responsibilities, ensuring comprehensive coverage and strategic insight.
We are committed to continuous improvement and value for money and expect our internal audit partner to support us in achieving these goals. This includes delivering a risk-based audit plan, maintaining a robust Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP), and providing timely, actionable reports. Suppliers must also be able to operate effectively in a hybrid working environment and support our bilingual ethos in line with Welsh Language Standards. Through this pre-engagement session, we aim to foster a shared understanding of expectations and encourage innovative approaches to delivering assurance that aligns with our strategic priorities.
Total value (estimated)
- £125,000 excluding VAT
- £150,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79212200 - Internal audit services
- 79212000 - Auditing services
- 79210000 - Accounting and auditing services
- 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services
Contract locations
- UKL - Wales
Engagement
Engagement deadline
13 November 2025
Engagement process description
We will be holding one preliminary market engagement sessions via MS Teams on
Tuesday 11 November 2025, at 11:15.
The sessions will be hosted by project team:
Jo Bolton - Director of Finance, Partnerships and Corporate Services
Kate Salter - Assistant Director of Corporate Services
Emma Howells - Head of Finance
and a member of the Procurement team.
The session will begin with a presentation outlining the requirements, following which an opportunity for questions and answers will follow. The session will be recorded and uploaded against this notice on Sell2Wales.
If you are interested in joining a preliminary market engagement session, please email procurement@socialcare.wales advising the tender title and desired session date/time.
Following the sessions the Sell2Wales question and answer portal will be live for a following 2 working days up until 17:00 on Thursday 13 November 2025.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
24 November 2025
Contracting authority
Social Care Wales
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTTZ-7468-NYRQ
South Gate House
Cardiff
CF10 1EW
United Kingdom
Contact name: Procurement Team
Email: procurement@socialcare.wales
Website: http://www.socialcare.wales
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales